Figuring out the right kind of lighting to use inside your pool is important, but it’s not the only area to think about when it comes to pool illumination. As we mentioned in the first article of this series (see Part 1, 2, 3 & 4), it’s also a wise idea to include plenty of lighting around the pool on your deck, along the sides of your walkways, in your landscaping, and throughout your entire yard. In this article, we’ll consider some practical tips for outdoor lighting.
Solar Lights Offer Simple, Cost-Effective & Energy Efficient Illumination
When it comes to lighting options, solar lights are about as hassle-free as you can get. Just stick them into the ground, and they’re ready to go. They’re also a great choice when it comes to saving money, because they don’t cost much upfront, and there’s no need to replace any bulbs or batteries. They’re also environmentally friendly. With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why solar outdoor lights have become such a popular choice.
There is a downside to solar lighting, however. Because they work solely by the power of the sun, they don’t charge well on cloudy days. Even when they’ve soaked in plenty of sun rays all day long, the brightness put out by most residential solar landscape lighting tends to be rather dim compared to other kinds of lights. Though there are brighter solar lights available, they tend to only hold their charge for a few hours, limiting their usefulness.
So relying on solar lighting as your main source of outdoor lighting isn’t really a very practical option. They work great as accent lights, but that’s about it. You can also go with lights that mainly work on solar power but have a battery for backup lighting in case they haven’t absorbed enough sunlight to run strictly on solar power for the entire night. There are LED battery powered options available. The batteries last so long that they should require very little maintenance over multiple pool seasons.
Spread Light Sources Out to Create a More Relaxing Atmosphere
Although keeping your backyard pool area well lit is essential for safety, using one or two bright floodlights to illuminate the whole area can create a harsh, jarring effect. If you want your poolside and patio to be both safe and aesthetically pleasing, consider using multiple smaller light sources as opposed to one or two large floodlights. These lights could be in the form of outdoor lamps, tiki torches, lanterns, solar pathway luminaries, and strings of lights.
Including multiple light sources outside of the pool will also help to cut down on those pesky unwanted insects invading your swimming space. If insects are a big problem where you live, consider adding a bug-zapper light near your poolside area!
Pool area lighting can add charm and atmosphere to your outside space. Whichever lighting options you choose, make sure to keep safety as your number one concern, always making sure the pool itself remains well lit for both swimmers and those observing water activities.
We hope this series of articles focused on pool lighting options and tips will help you find the ideal lighting options for your home swimming pool and the surrounding area.
Leave a Reply